Philadelphia to Hold Genocide Walk

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—On Sat., April 28, for the fifth consecutive year, the Armenian Genocide Walk will take place, providing an opportunity for the entire Philadelphia community to gather to commemorate the 97thanniversary of the genocide, and educate the public on Turkish denial of the atrocities committed against the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire from 1915-18.

Taner Akcam

Hundreds will gather at the Mher Statue by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and walk through the streets of

Philadelphia to rally and bring exposure to the cause. At the conclusion of the walk, a program will be held on the lawn of the Independence Hall Visitor’s Center featuring keynote speaker, renowned Turkish scholar, Dr. Taner Akcam. The program will also include participation by local dignitaries, community leaders, and clergymen with performances by the Jampa Band and Hamazkayin Meghri Dance Group.

Akcam is a Turkish historian and professor who is considered one of the leading international experts on the Armenian Genocide. He recently authored the book The Young Turks’ Crime Against Humanity: The Armenian Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing in the Ottoman Empire, which is scheduled for release this month, and will be available for purchase at a discounted price the day of the walk. Introducing new evidence from more than 600 secret Ottoman documents, the book demonstrates in unprecedented detail that the Armenian Genocide and the expulsion of Greeks from the late Ottoman Empire resulted from an official effort to rid the empire of its Christian subjects. Presenting previously inaccessible documents along with expert context and analysis, Akcam’s most authoritative work to date goes deep inside the bureaucratic machinery of Ottoman Turkey to show how a dying empire embraced genocide and ethnic cleansing.

After 1.5 million innocent people were brutally murdered and forced out of their ancestral country, the survivors fled to distant countries seeking refuge. Today, Armenians around the world are demanding recognition from the United States, as well as other governments, to acknowledge actions taken by Ottoman Turkey.

With support from the Philadelphia Armenian Inter-Communal Committee, the Philadelphia Armenian Genocide Walk is sponsored by youth representatives from area churches and organizations who have worked tirelessly to develop a meaningful and special opportunity for the Philadelphia Armenian community—and nearby communities—to come together to make an appeal for justice. For registration and program information, as well as individual and business ad opportunities, visit www.armeniangenocidewalk.com.

On April 24, Armenian Martyrs’ Day, the Philadelphia Armenian Inter-Communal Committee will sponsor a Requiem Service, wreath-laying, and cultural program at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, 101 Ashmead Road, Cheltenham, Pa., beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. It is organized by all five Philadelphia Armenian churches, and will feature students of the Armenian Sisters Academy performing songs and recitations, as well as an address by Armenian Genocide Walk co-chair Vicken Bazarbashian.